MATPRA
MATPRA is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.
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Tall Ships® Erie is a 4-day festival held every 3 years when magnificent ships race in the Tall Ships Challenge to ports and destinations in the Great Lakes. The Tall Ships® Erie festival celebrates all that connects Northwest PA to the Great Lakes, Canadian communities, and cities. After winning the Tall Ships® America’s Port of the Year award in 2019 and 2022, Erie is ready to celebrate and earn that recognition again! Situated in the heart of Erie’s beautiful Bayfront, the four-day event is a vibrant and festive celebration that attracts over 100,000 visitors locally and from PA, NY, OH, and beyond.
For the community, the festival begins when the iconic ships enter Presque Isle Bay for the Parade of Sail.
This event is visible from points along the peninsula, the Bayfront, channel, and points east of the city along Lake Erie. Thursday night, the community can enjoy the celebratory fireworks display. The family-friendly daytime festival treats visitors to deck tours of the historic tall ships, live musical entertainment, our Kids Zone and Maritime Marketplace, the best of Bayfront hospitality, and opportunities to enhance the experience by including a day sail.